NEW YORK (AP) – New York City residents are accustomed to warnings about all kinds of potential threats – severe weather, public health, mass shootings.
But a new PSA on surviving a nuclear attack has rattled some cages.
Released this week by the city’s Emergency Management Agency, the 90-second video advises citizens to stay indoors and wash off any radioactive dust or ash.
It opens on a computer-generated street, devoid of life. Damaged skyscrapers can be seen in the background.
Looking into the camera, a spokesperson said, “So there’s been a nuclear attack. Don’t ask me how or why. Just know that the big one has hit.”
Many New Yorkers were left asking, “Why now?”
The city’s Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell said the video isn’t tied to any specific threats. She said it’s about raising awareness.
“There’s no overarching reason why this is the time we sent this out,” Farrell told The Associated Press. “It’s just one tool in the toolbox to be prepared.”
